At the start of the novel, we are introduced to a family gathering at old Jolyon’s home to celebrate June's engagement to Bosinney. The atmosphere is both festive and tense, marked by the familiar family rivalries and hidden resentments. Various members of the Forsyte clan exhibit distinct personalities; for example, Soames, June's father, displays an obsession with property and status, while young Jolyon, an estranged figure, reflects on the familial ties and past mistakes. The narrative presents a rich tapestry of character interactions and societal observations, setting the stage for the unfolding drama tied to themes of love, beauty, and the possession of material wealth. (This is an automatically generated summary.)